Variola caprina

Goat Pox

Other names: variola caprina

Virus family: Poxviridae

Genus: Capripoxvirus

Goat Pox is a contagious viral disease caused by the pox virus which affects goats. The virus spreads via the respiratory route and is most likely to occur in crowded stock. Sources of the virus include Cutaneous lesions, Saliva , Nasal Secretions and [[Faeces]. There are two types of the disease; the Papulo-vesicular form and Nodular form ('stone pox').

It is thought the same virus spreads Sheep pox. European sheep breeds are highly susceptible to Sheep Pox. In dried scabs the virus may be present for up to 6 months. In endemic area morbidity rate 70-90% and Mortalitiy rate 5-10% (but may reach nearly 100% in imported animals).

Spread of Goat Pox

Goat Pox is seen in Africa north of the equator, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. Goat Pox may be spread between animals by:

• Direct contact
• Indirect transmission by contaminated implements vehicles or products (litter, fodder)
• Indirect transmission by insects (mechanical vectors) has been established (minor role)
• Contamination by inhalation, intradermal or subcutaneous inoculation, or by respiratory, transcutaneous and transmucosal routes

Clinical signs

• Initially rapid onset of fever, salivation , nasal discharge and [[conjuctivitus].
• After a few days skin lesions erupt which first develop into vesicles, pustules and then scabs . These are often in hair or wool-free areas such as the udders, perineum, inguinal area, scrotum, muzzle, eyelids and axillae.
• Small, red spotty areas appear on udders and teats which may form scabs. The orifices of the teats may become infected and cause mastitis.
• Affected skin is senstive.
• Internal lesions in the lungs may cause respiratory distress.
• Depression
• Polynoea
• Oedema of eyelids, photophobia, Rhinitis and lacrimation
• Nodules develop in the lungs causing bronchopneumonia

• Papules become a white-grey colour, desiccate and form crusts that are easy to remove
• Rarely, papules may transform into vesicles. After rupture of vesicles, a thick crust covers the lesions.

• Papules give rise to nodules involving all the layers of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue.
• Necrosis and sloughing of the nodules leaves a hairless scar.

Secondary problems:

• Septicaemia
• Abortion (rare)
• Infections
• Fly strike
• Digestive localisation

External Links

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